Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology Sonata III Speakers by D Squared

Model:	Sonata III
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$6500
Description:	4 driver floor standing speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Silverline Audio Technology
Model Picture:	View

Review by D Squared on January 12, 2004 at 15:05:16
IP Address: 199.245.32.11

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for the Sonata III

About 3 months ago I purchased a pair of Sonata mk3's in the burlwood finish for my main 2 channel system based on the outstanding performance of a pair of rosewood Sonatina 2's I use as the front speakers in my home theater system. I was completely smitten by the gorgeous mid-range of the Sonatina's and I was relieved that Alan Yun retained the 2" LPG dome midrange in the Sonata 3's, although he changed all of the other drivers. The workmanship on the cabinet is superb. The burlwood veneer is treat for the eyes, and the tapered geometry is graceful and attractive in my living room. The Sonatas preserve the wonderful soundstaging and luscious mid range of the Sonatinas, and add greater bass authority, and to my ears, the Dynaudio Esotec tweeter adds excellent treble detail without being overly bright or fatiguing. The tweeter blends in beautifully with the other drivers and does not specifically call attention to itself to distract from a harmonious unity. The Dynaudio midwoofer and woofer fill in the lower frequencies with incredible authority, yet provide excellent tonal authenticity. I am an amateur cellist, and listen to a lot of string music. On many speakers the cello and double bass come through as thin or anemic and lacking in low frequency detail. Not with the Sonata 3's. Good recordings from YoYo Ma, Ray Brown, Charlie Haden, etc. are a revelation. All of the low frequency colorations from a live performance are right there in my living room. Vocals are especially breathtaking. Covering the spectrum from Renee Fleming to Bryn Terfel the Sonatas provide vivid, life-like music. With a good recording, I simply have to stop what I am doing, sit down and listen. The Sonatas provide an over-all sense of balance that is right on target, and they pull me into the performance. The soundstage is excellent. I have the speakers placed about 12 feet apart and a foot away from the back wall in a large rectangular room with a very tall cathedral ceiling, and they provide terrific imaging. Whether it is a string quartet, jazz combo or a symphony, the soundstage is wide and deep with excellent spatial localization. All in all, I am very, very pleased with these speakers, and they have relegated my Dunlavy Alethas to the basement.

Product Weakness: Binding posts are not the most robust in the world.
Product Strengths: Beautiful design and fine workmanship. Overall natural, musical presentation that is not in the least fatiguing. Gorgeous midrange that provides vocals and stringed instruments with a palpable presence that has almost spoiled concert-going for me. Why put up with crowds and coughing when it sounds as good in my living room? Detailed treble, authoritative bass, and good imaging. Excellent bang for the buck in my mind.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pass Labs X-250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Pass Labs X1 and Xono
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cary 303/200; Rega P25/Benz Glider L2; Parasound Halo tuner
Speakers:	Silverline Sonata mk 3's
Cables/Interconnects:	MIT 350, Cardas Golden Cross, Nordost Red Dawn
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 15 x 15
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner